An Assessment Study On The Provision Of Affordable Housing In Namibia: The Case Study Of Windhoek A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfilment

Abstract

Affordable housing is one of the most important economic indicators of a country. The shortage of affordable housing is not only limited to the city of Windhoek but affects the country as a whole. A major concern pertaining to affordable housing is that it affects mostly the less privileged people in the population who are in the low and middle income groups. The study focused on the shortage of the affordable housing supply in Windhoek Combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to conduct the research. The quantitative aspect researched on how low and middle income groups are affected based on the numerical variables while quantitative approach focused on the in-depth understand on the opinions and perspectives leading to low housing affordability. The main targeted respondents were the low and middle income groups, housing supply institutions and commercial banks. A selected sample of respondents from low and middle income groups was chosen based on their respective locations namely: Wanaheda, Okuryangava and Goreangab to represent low income and Khomasdal, Windhoek West and Hochland to represent middle income groups. This study used primary and secondary sources to identify major impediments towards the provision of affordable housing in Windhoek. The main research instruments employed to collect information was the questionnaire and an interview guide with selected representatives from the sample. The main purpose of the study is to identify factors that limit supply of adequate and affordable housing in Windhoek, identify challenges and

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obstacles housing supply institutions and individuals face as a result of inflated housing prices. The study concluded that scarcity of serviced land and financial constraints are the main contributing factors to shortage of affordable housing. Research recommends comprehensive and enforceable housing policies, programmes and the related strategic actions to be taken to ensure development of an appropriate housing provision system. Furthermore developing an appropriate law and regulations structure that governs provision of affordable housing, its development, infrastructure and funding, use of cheaper construction materials and technologies can improve and increase the provision of affordable housing in Windhoek.